Lettie Goes Travelling

People sometimes assume that using a travel agent or specialist company means giving something up — control, independence, spontaneity.

My experience has been the opposite.

Over time, I’ve learned that choosing support doesn’t mean doing less for yourself.

It often means accessing experiences you simply wouldn’t find — or feel comfortable attempting — on your own.

When support makes the difference

One obvious example was my long-delayed Greek island trip.

After several cancelled attempts at small-boat sailing holidays, I revisited the idea — only to find that hiring a yacht privately was completely out of reach financially. Instead, I booked a Greek island cruise through a well-established tour company.

Was it how I originally imagined doing it? No.

Did I still get to see the islands I’d hoped for? Yes.

Did I enjoy it? Absolutely.

Did it exceed my expectations? Completely.

Sometimes the route changes — but the destination still delivers.

When recommendations open doors

A less obvious example was Italy.

Post-Covid, I’d taken part in a solo-specific tour that was… fine. I made good friends, but the trip itself didn’t quite land. One of those friends later recommended a specialist activity-based travel company — small groups, villa stays, themed experiences like cooking, walking or painting.

I booked a Tuscany trip with them.

Still not quite ready to hand over the reins completely, I added a couple of days either side to explore towns not on the itinerary — always the rebel. That holiday turned out to be exceptional.

I’ve now travelled with that company three times.

When trust really pays off

The third trip was Marrakech — not an obvious destination for a solo female traveller.

And yet, I found myself sitting in the airport minibus at the end of the week in tears because I didn’t want to leave.

There were nine of us, staying in a beautiful villa with a chef, housekeeping, a gardener, and a butler. Our days were filled with yoga, cooking classes, souk visits, local produce markets, trips into the Atlas Mountains, and even a trek along goat paths followed by lunch with a Berber family in their home.

At one point, we quite literally bumped into Nigel Havers.

It was extraordinary.

Had I planned that trip on my own, I would probably have managed a quick visit to the souks and the Majorelle Gardens — and missed everything else that made it so special.

Even practical details made a difference. Their recommendation to fly from Southend rather than my usual Gatwick saved money and reminded me how enjoyable smaller airports can be.

What I’ve learned

I genuinely believe there is a holiday out there for everyone.

Sometimes you’ll find it through your own research.

And sometimes the most intentional choice is letting someone else — with experience and local knowledge — do that work for you.

That isn’t giving up control.

It’s choosing support wisely.

If you’re curious about these kinds of trips or wondering what might suit you, feel free to DM me.

I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.