Agent Diary: We all play a role in turning dreams into reality 

One of my favourite parts of this job is hearing what inspires people to travel. Sometimes it’s a TV series, sometimes a novel, a reel or even a recipe. Wherever it starts, that spark of curiosity is what makes travel so special – and as travel agents, we get to watch it turn into something real.

The new series of Race Across the World has brought that spark back for so many people. Watching the teams race through South America has been pure joy – the landscapes, the people, the chaos of travel without luxury or plans! It reminds me so much of my own trip to that part of the world, full of unexpected moments and unforgettable memories. I’ve already noticed customers mentioning it when they come into the shop.

 

TV inspiration

Television is one of the best forms of travel inspiration. The scenery in Inspector Montalbano, filmed around Sicily, has made plenty of people want to wander through its sun-drenched streets with a gelato in hand. Even shows like Shetland bring the wild beauty of the UK’s far north to life – perfect for those who prefer rugged landscapes over beaches and cocktails.

We’re all good at chatting in this industry, and that’s what makes it fun. I’m always asking customers and friends what they’re watching or reading. If it’s set in another country, it instantly creates a whole new conversation. People light up when they talk about something that’s caught their imagination, and before you know it, we’re checking flights and turning fiction into reality.

Food is another huge source of inspiration. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy completely drew me in – especially the episode where he explored street food. The colours and energy of those markets made me want to follow in his footsteps and taste everything for myself. Lots of our customers feel the same way. Many travel purely for the love of food – drinking malbec in Mendoza, eating pizza in Naples, or learning to make fresh pasta in Bologna. 

Has anyone watched The Bear? Marcus’s visit to Copenhagen was incredible! I then came across an Instagram reel retracing all the places he’d been – so, while I was there recently, I became obsessed with finding the same hotdog stall and chicken burger stand he’d visited, turning it into a foodie treasure hunt.

 

Page-turners

Sometimes, inspiration is found in a book – I actually booked a trip to Crete purely because of Victoria Hislop’s The Island, which transported me straight to Spinalonga, the old leper colony off Crete’s coast, and I just had to see it for myself. 

Brochures still play a big role too. In an age of scrolling and swiping, there’s something grounding about sitting down with a printed brochure; the imagery and itineraries help people dream in a different way. The same goes for our window displays.

Ultimately, travel is about imagination. Whether it starts with a novel, a TV series, a plate of food or a friendly chat, it’s that moment of dreaming that makes people book. As agents, we’re lucky enough to be part of that process – turning what someone saw, read or tasted into a real journey. Because before a suitcase is packed or a ticket is printed, travel begins with a story that makes us think, ‘I want to go there’.

 

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When Mickey Mouse came to Otley

We hosted an Ocean Florida takeover in the shop a couple of weeks ago – and it brought a real burst of sunshine to Otley! Mickey Mouse, rollercoasters, New York skylines . . . it felt like all things America had arrived for the day. We’ve worked closely with Ocean Florida for a long time, and they’re our go-to experts for holidays to the US.

 

The day was filled with great conversations, travel ideas and plenty of excitement about Disney, Universal and beyond. Customers loved hearing insider tips and picking up inspiration for future trips. It was a lovely reminder of how travel brings people together – and how a bit of Florida magic can brighten even the greyest Yorkshire day!