Australia's best travel agent reveals her travel tips

Jenny says Hamilton Island in Queensland's Whitsundays is Australia's best resort. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

JENNY Cooper, from Queanbeyan City Travel and Cruise, was named Australia's best travel agent at the recent AFTA National Travel Industry Awards. We asked the agent, who has been working in the industry for 12 years, to reveal her travel secrets.

When is the best time to book flights?

It's a bit like buying petrol really, you can guarantee the price will drop the day after you fill your tank. If you know what day you want to travel, you've been researching the average price it should be on the internet and you come into the travel agency and the price is perfect, book it.

If you wait for a sale you run the risk the flights won't be available on the day you want to travel. There are really cheap fares available, but you could end up with flights that don't connect and long stopovers.

Travel agent Jenny Cooper in front of the Taj Mahal in India. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

How can you get cheap hotels?

Travel agents have access to all deals, including wholesalers like Qantas Holidays or Ready Rooms, which are extremely competitive with all the online sites. If you're flexible leave it until the last minute to book - there may be last-minute availability and a deal.

How do you get the best price on a cruise holiday?

If you want a particular cabin on a particular deck or side get in, book early and pay your deposit. Most holidaymakers don't have that flexibility because they need to travel during school holidays or work around work commitments. If you can sail at late notice wait for the last-minute specials, but be careful because the cabins offered are usually those that are hard to sell and you may end up near the laundry. or elevators.

Where is your favourite holiday spot in Australia?

Somewhere with a beautiful beach, sunshine, soft sand and warm water - I'm thinking Queensland's islands, Port Douglas and Sunshine Coast.

Where is your favourite destination overseas?

I love New York - no matter how many times you visit, you will always find something new. to see and do If you think that you've seen it all, the website www.toursbylocals.com/New-York-City-Tours is a brilliant way to see the city. The five boroughs of New York offer so much to see and do and it's only a short train ride to Washington, Boston or Philadelphia or you can do a day trip to Niagara Falls.

What are the best family destinations?

Disneyland of course! Whether it's California, Florida, Japan, Paris, or Hong Kong, it's just made for families. For families on the east coast I would also recommend Fiji - it's a short flight and there are so many great family resorts to choose from. All-inclusive resorts are a good option so you can pay for all meals, beverages and entertainment before you go. From the west coast I would recommend anywhere in Asia. - short flights, great resorts and a great exchange rate. Cruises are also great as they include all meals entertainment, water slides, gyms - the list goes on and on. But we are seeing more families travel further afield to all parts of Europe, Russia and Africa.

Jenny says Disneyland is the best destination for families. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

What is the best value "bang for your buck" destination overseas?

Bali. It's a short flight from Australia, the exchange rate is good, it has great shopping and great resorts.

Pick a quality resort in a great area, be aware of your personal safety and enjoy the local food and experiences.

Which tour companies do you recommend?

I love Trafalgar - with more than 200 itineraries in 60 countries you can't go wrong. The "be my guest" experience is sensational and the family itineraries have activities and experiences that allows family members of all ages to discover the magic of a destination. The At Leisure itineraries offer more time to enjoy the experience a slower pace and the cost saver program is for those on a budget who still want the guided holiday experience. I'd also recommend Contiki for the 18-35's, Uniworld for river cruising, Scenic Tours, Insight Vacations and Intrepid for the adventurous.

What is the best resort in Australia?

It's hard, but I'd have to say Hamilton Island. On the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, among Queensland's 74 Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island has glorious weather, brilliant beaches, coral reefs, fine food and wine and activities for all ages. There are lots of accommodation options from the big coral sea view rooms, to the bungalows, holiday homes, yacht club villas and the luxury of qualia.

Best hotel?

The Langham in Melbourne. Great location, beautifully appointed rooms, comfortable beds and, above all, a great buffet breakfast.

The Langham Hotel in Melbourne, Victoria. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Best international hotel?

I love the California Hotel in Disneyland. It's connected to the California Adventure Park in the Disney precinct and is typically American with spacious rooms, a 24/7 Disney channel for the kids and character storytelling each evening beside the open log fireplace. Disney characters even visit you at breakfast.