There was a time when travel agents could be very prescriptive in their services. Package holidays could dictate the passing of every single day of your holiday leaving you no time of your own to explore the local culture and cuisine on your own terms. The alternative was to make all your own arrangements, and, depending on the accessibility of your chosen destination, this could be challenging and time consuming.

Nowadays we are spoilt for choice. There are a vast number of travel companies available, each offering something slightly different to their clientele. You can book flights and accommodation, or food and excursions as well. You can start with a package deal then move on to a week or two of independent travel. You can flit from place to place and still make all your arrangements with one travel agent. The possibilities are endless.

If your daily life, your work and family commitments, are already over-filling your schedule then it can be a good idea to plump for an all-inclusive holiday. In one quick trip to your preferred travel agent, you can specify all your personal requirements and make an all-inclusive booking with one payment to one travel company, simplifying your travel arrangements beautifully.

Many of us struggle to find the time to make detailed holiday plans and independent reservations. For those who are already snowed under with commitments from both work and home, an all-inclusive deal could be the perfect solution for you. If you want to be able to make spur of the moment decisions upon arrival, there are now plenty of all-inclusive holidays available from companies such as Thomas Cook that allow for a certain amount of customer flexibility.

There are also travel companies who can help you to tailor make your own trip. Though this is often a little pricier, many people feel it is worthwhile to spend a little extra money to be sure that their travel experience lives up to their expectations. Cambridge based company Trail Blazers has won awards for its ability to make travellers dreams come true. Look out for similar organisations near you if you have specific travel needs and wishes.

Family package holidays can be fantastic for those travelling with children. From skiing trips to beach breaks, travel agents can coordinate a range of family friendly expeditions that could include part-time day care or baby sitting facilities as required.

Adventurous young things often choose to book their travel arrangements through STA travel thanks to their considerable discounts for students and travellers under the age of 25. They can coordinate group trips or solo travel expeditions to a vast range of locations at any time of year.

Whatever your holiday desires may be, there are so many travel companies available to help make them come true that you should have no trouble finding the right place to book the perfect break for you.