Craig Goodridge, an independent travel agent who first launched his business in April 2017 before going full-time in May 2023, described his first year as a full-time, self-employed agent as "full of ups and downs." Last year was no different: Craig said his "fantastic [2024]... wasn't without its challenges"
"On the positive side, we saw increased demand for travel [in 2024], with last-minute bookings being particularly popular as people sought a bit of sun and relaxation to break away from the routine. More destinations opened up, and there was a significant increase in cruise options departing from the UK. Another highlight was the growing number of travellers choosing to book through travel agents—a trend supported by data from credit agencies. I’d call that a win!
"Overall, I’d say it was a fantastic year in terms of the variety and choices available to customers. However, 2024 wasn’t without its challenges.
"We faced unrest due to protests across the globe, tied to ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. Such international events inevitably create an air of uncertainty, reminding us as agents to remain flexible and ensure that the products we book offer robust out-of-hours support and favourable terms in case of last-minute changes. This was certainly the year of watching the news a lot more for me, and keeping an eye on airport departure boards for delays and issues."
With 2024 now in the rearview, Craig is looking ahead to 2025, promising a year of renewed priorities and confidence.
"Peaks are here—and I have to say, it’s my favourite time of the year to be a travel agent. There’s something exhilarating about managing ten things at once in the office or shop while juggling home and social life. While I’d like to say I won’t complain about being busy, I probably will—but only because I love it so much!"
Last year, Craig said "drinking lots of tea, eating lots of Greggs, and having a good chat and gossip with fellow market traders" kept him sane during peaks: what is new for 2025?
"One of the tools that keeps me sane during the chaos of Peaks is my planner. I received a fantastic one for Christmas, and it’s been a game-changer. It has space for all my to-do tasks, sections for appointments and priorities, and even areas to plan meals and spare-time activities. It helps me stay focused and ensures I don’t lose sight of self-care amidst the busyness.
"This year also marks my second year of running a shop, and I’m hopeful that I’ve learned some valuable lessons from last year. My primary goal is to switch off at a reasonable hour in the evenings and stick to a set schedule of core working hours. Last year, I found that setting clear expectations with customers about when I’d respond worked wonders—I didn’t lose any sales, and it helped me maintain a better work-life balance.
"As I write this article, I’m reminding myself that I can do this. I’ve got the time, the skills, and the support to make Peaks season a success. If you’re reading this, I want you to know that you’ve got this too—you’re going to smash it!"
Craig Goodridge is an independent travel agent based in Sheffield.
