5 Best Travel Agencies in Canberra Ready to Take You on an Unforgettable Adventure
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably daydreamed about jetting off to some exotic locale while stuck in the monotony of your 9-to-5 job.
And let’s be real, planning a vacation can sometimes feel like more work than… well, work! (Ever tried deciphering visa requirements at 3 AM? Spoiler: don’t.)
Here in Canberra, we’re blessed with some truly amazing travel agencies that can take all that stress off your shoulders. Think of them as your vacation fairy godmothers, waving their magic wands to turn your holiday dreams into reality.
The last time I tried to book a trip to Thailand on my own, I ended up almost flying into a completely different country (true story, but let’s save that for another time).
So, to save you from any potential travel disasters—and to ensure you actually get to put your feet up and relax—I’ve put together a list of the best travel agencies in Canberra.
These are the folks who have your back, be it for a quick weekend getaway or an epic adventure around the globe. Ready to meet your travel matchmakers? Let’s dive in!
How much do travel agencies charge in Canberra?
Travel agencies in Canberra typically charge a service fee ranging from $30 to $150.
The actual fee can vary depending on the type of services provided, the complexity of the travel arrangements, the agency’s reputation, and the level of personalized service offered.
Some agencies may also offer package deals that include flight and hotel bookings at a discounted rate.
1. Active Travel
Address: G16/27 Lonsdale St. Braddon, Canberra Territory 2612
Phone: +61 2 6249 6122
Business hours: Open 24 hours
For those who love intimate adventures, Active Travel could be your next favorite travel buddy. They keep their groups small, making every trip feel personal and special—something you don’t often get with bigger agencies.
They’ve got a bunch of packages that’ll tickle your adventurous side, such as walking tours, yoga and pilates retreats, scuba diving, airborne thrills, and water sports galore.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or a seasoned explorer; they’ve got something for everyone.
What really impressed us was how they cultivate connections, not just between you and your fellow travelers but also with the incredible places and cultures you encounter.
People we’ve chatted with can’t stop praising how organized and memorable their trips were. One adventurous soul even called it “perfectly organized, making every moment enjoyable and memorable.”
Just a heads-up though: if you are someone who prefers traveling with larger groups, the intimate focus of Active Travel might not be your jam.
Customer Reviews
Excellent personalized service
“I have used Active Travel on a number of occasions, mostly dealing with Becky and I have found the service offered is excellent. Becky is always willing to take extra steps to ensure the holiday options she has on offer suit, and I have been very happy with the way she has managed flight bookings, hotels, trains and various tour options. I will be happy to use Active Travel again.”
– Eileen Newmarch, Google Review
Seamless UK adventure with expert planning
“Thank you once again to Becky and the team at Active Travel. We have just returned from a four week visit to the United Kingdom. We traveled by car and train in the UK and stayed at some fabulous hotels and B&Bs on the trip all arranged by Becky. We use Active Travel for all our overseas trips and no matter what country we visit, everything is well organised and runs smoothly. Thank you once again Becky.”
– Julie Riley, Google Review
2. Saara Holidays
Address: 62 Ross Smith Cres, Scullin ACT 2614
Phone: +61 2 6100 1300
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Saara Holidays has got your travel dreams covered from A to Z! From snagging the best deals to crafting custom itineraries, they make sure your journey is seamless.
They have their own detailed platform for searching flights, letting you compare options from over 100 airlines like Emirates, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines. Plus, they’ve got some great international and domestic flight deals to make your trip even better.
Beyond flights and hotels, they bundle everything into neat packages, making arrangements from car rentals to dreamy cruises a breeze.
We are truly impressed by their expertise. They’ve bagged titles like Best Australian Travel Agency Group in 2016 and 2017 and have been honored as a 2023 Chairman’s Circle Honors Honoree.
The only tiny hiccup? Their office is in Scullin, ACT, which might be inconvenient for those living elsewhere.
While they offer online correspondence, if you prefer face-to-face chats, the distance could make it a bit tricky working with this agency.
Customer Reviews
Unforgettable Australian journey
“Saara Holidays made my trip to Sydney, Cairns, and Melbourne truly unforgettable! All the major tourist attractions were covered beautifully with knowledgeable insights from the guides. Pick-ups, drops, and updates were always perfectly on time, making the entire experience smooth and stress-free. Their precise and detailed tips helped a lot throughout the trip, and their recommendations for nearby Indian restaurants were a thoughtful touch. Even when our flight got cancelled last minute, Rachana was incredibly helpful and adjusted the itinerary without any hassle. I highly recommend Saara Holidays for a well-organized and seamless travel experience!”
– Simran Raikar, Google Review
Perfectly organized Singapore getaway
“What can we say about Saara holidays and Rachana, the owner! Our holidays in Singapore by Saara travels were one of the best we had so far! From flight tickets, hotel pick up and drop, planning beautiful sight seeing to recommending best places to shop and eat! Every single thing was so perfectly planned and organized by Saara holidays!!
We had absolutely gala time in Singapore! Rachana is very helpful, very friendly and always working round the clock to help you out. We are Saara’s life time customers, and we highly recommend Saara holidays!”
– Anjali Ghurye Google Review
3. Schmitzer & James Travel Associates
Address: Level 1/32 Bougainville St, Griffith ACT 2603
Phone: +61 1800 739 288
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Schmitzer & James Travel Associates is known for their “Signature Itineraries” and “Luxury Travel Gems,” bringing you those special, curated experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind.
They excel in crafting personalized tours that match your unique interests and needs, offering exclusive packages that promise unforgettable adventures.
Their range is impressively diverse, featuring breathtaking European river cruises, immersive cultural journeys through Asia, and lavish safaris in Africa.
One of our personal favorites is the “Ultimate Luxury Kenya Safari,” a 10-day adventure that immerses you in Kenya’s wild beauty.
If Europe is more your style, their “Best of Italy” tour lets you relish the country’s rich history, mouth-watering cuisine, and must-see sights.
One thing to keep in mind, though: these high-end, tailor-made tours do come with a heftier price tag compared to mainstream travel agencies or DIY travel planning.
Customer Reviews
Incredible USA and Mexico trip
“I can’t recommend Vanessa at Schimitzer & James Travel Associates in Manuka highly enough! She organized an incredible holiday for my partner and me to the USA and Mexico. From the moment we began planning, Vanessa made us feel supported and cared for. Every detail was meticulously arranged, allowing us to fully enjoy our trip without any stress. With any travel there are always some unexpected changes to flights that occur and Vanessa’s response to these was great. The itinerary was perfect she ensured we experienced all stunning sights and unique experiences. We were especially grateful for her recommendations, which made our trip even more special. To top it all off, we got engaged during the trip, and it was the most magical moment, made possible by Vanessa’s thoughtful planning. If you’re looking for a travel agent who goes above and beyond, Vanessa and her team at Schimitzer & James are the ones to call. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!“
– Rhys McLachlan, Google Review
Fantastic India tour support and travel tips
“Fantastic Service from Janice , she listened to our wish list for India and helped us to decide what tour to choose . I asked lots of questions and Janice was there to help with everything. She arranged Flights and helped with the Visa and a lot of Tips along the way . I would definitely recommend exit seats for the journey internationally and an extra night stay the last day as the night flight was 11.30 at night and had to cheek out at 11 . 100% happy thanks Janice . Highly recommend will be back Thanks Jodee“
– Jodee Shepherd, Google Review
4. Jamison Travel
Address: Unit 5/39 Bowman St, Macquarie ACT 2614
Phone: +61 2 6251 5166
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
For over three decades, Jamison Travel has been the go-to guru for stress-free, enjoyable trips.
Their travel offerings are incredibly diverse, from self-drive tours and scenic rail journeys to luxurious cruises and family-friendly vacations. Some packages that really shine include the 15-day “Splendours of Europe Cruise” and the 14-day “Inspiring India” tour.
We find it remarkable how they manage accommodations, providing access to over 15 million hotels and apartments worldwide, plus car rentals from more than 24,000 locations.
And for extra peace of mind, you can even get your travel insurance directly through them.
However, be aware that Jamison Travel focuses on traditional, full-service planning. So, if you prefer the flexibility and affordability of booking online or using budget travel services, their packages might come across as a bit pricier.
Customer Reviews
Incredible coordination and support
“Our family has used Jamison Travel for overseas trips over the past 17 years and they are fantastic. In particular in 2023 they assisted us in booking flights, accommodation, side trips to Bali and Flores for 16 people across two states. It was an incredible coordination feat that they handled so well and very professionally.
Unfortunately the airline cancelled our to Bali flights at 3am the day of travel and then later our return flights. With support from Emily, at Jamison Travel, we were able to over come these problems. Emily was amazing with her capacity to deal with the issues that arose and we thank her and the team for their support. Now we are in 2024 and a reduced group is off to Bali again in a few weeks for family support reasons. So without hesitation we went back with Emily to arrange the flights and accommodation for 4 from two different state. Emily was really helpful, especially given the short notice for the destination at a peak travel time, coming up with good, practical options. The Jamison Travel team is thoughtful, practical, professional and responsive. We cannot thank then enough for all their support over the years.“
– Clare Thomas, Google Review
Professional, accommodating, and attentive to every detail
“Why do we love Jamison Travel….. because they meet our travel needs and wishes in every way; from our specified travel companies to finding the best deals. Nothing is any trouble. They are accommodating, friendly, patient and learned; totally professional and always provide great options and advice.”
– Phil Gibbons, Google Review
5. Just Travel
Address: M4HJ+23 Griffith, Australian Capital Territory
Phone: +61 2 6285 2644
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
With more than 35 years under their belt, Just Travel has become the go-to expert for all your travel needs, whether you’re jetting off for business or planning a relaxing vacation.
They take the time to understand exactly what you’re looking for and then create a travel experience that’s just right for you.
They offer fantastic packages like the “South Pacific Island Getaway,” where you can soak up the sun and enjoy stunning beaches for seven days.
If you’re into exploring new cultures, their “Asian Discovery Tour” offers a 14-day trip across multiple countries. They also provide exclusive honeymoon packages, solo travel plans, and family holidays.
Their services are comprehensive too. They handle visa applications, provide health and security advice, and organize rail, sea travel, and private charters.
The only downside is that these personalized services can come with a higher price tag compared to budget or DIY travel options.
Customer Reviews
Seamless corporate travel planning
“Top notch customer service. Andrew is a dedicated, reliable consultant who makes my corporate travel plans so seamless. He even knows all my preferences. Amazing!”
– Ra Loh, Google Review
Friendly and exceptional service
“Just Travel are the best agency I’ve ever dealt with! Nothing at all was a bother for them and they’re all so friendly! Thanks team, I’ll be going through your agency from now on.”
– Pat Coelho, Google Review