From Room Mishap to Beachfront Bliss
Because even in paradise, sometimes you need a little backup.
Behind every holiday is a story.
For one lovely couple in their 80s, their dream escape to Rarotonga began with excitement, took a detour through confusion and disappointment, and ended with a view they’ll never forget.
As their travel agent, I wasn’t just managing bookings. I was navigating time zones, coordinating with global suppliers, and helping my clients rediscover the magic of their holiday when things didn’t quite go to plan.
The Unexpected Bumps
Upon arrival in Rarotonga, they were shown to a beautiful beachfront room.
Everything seemed perfect until a staff member returned 15 minutes later to let them know they’d been given the wrong room.
The next option involved climbing 14 steps; a difficult ask for senior travellers. They were temporarily placed in a more accessible room, which they found acceptable. After two nights, they were moved to a magnificent three-bedroom house. Their spirits lifted until they were relocated again, this time to what was supposed to be their “forever room”.
Unfortunately, it was far from beachfront. Instead, they were looking at a pool and a wall. It felt more like a motel room than the relaxing beachfront experience they had booked and imagined.
That’s when they reached out to me for help!
Teamwork Across Time Zones
I was in Vienna, due to fly to Dubrovnik in a few hours. With limited phone reception, a 10-hour time difference, and crossing international borders, I got to work liaising directly with the supplier whose head office was in Asia. Meanwhile, Hayley back at the home office made contact with my clients in the Cook Islands, offering support from our end and keeping them in the loop.
The Cook Islands is usually an easy destination to organise things to do when you get there but with tourism booming and the hotel mishap leaving my clients feeling understandably despondent and stressed, they weren’t in the headspace to get themselves organised this time.
So, while we worked behind the scenes to resolve the room issue, we also stepped in to help with the rest.
Hayley connected with local operators to arrange some gentle touring options, investigated car hire options and sent through alternative suggestions and helpful information to make navigating the island easy and enjoyable.
More Than Just a Distraction – Meaningful Support
It wasn’t just about keeping them busy. We provided them with support; bot it was about practically and emotionally.
While we worked on getting them in the room type they had originally booked (or better), we provided them with carefully chosen tour options, clear info on the one-way island bus system, and a list of activities suited to their pace and preferences.
Our aim was to gently reconnect them with the joy of being in such a beautiful place – even while some of the logistics were still being sorted out.
The Happy Ending
Finally, they were upgraded to a fourth and final room and this time, it was exactly what they had hoped for.
Beachfront. Peaceful. Beautiful.
My clients are now incredibly happy and enjoying the rest of their island escape the way it was always meant to be.
The Heart of What We Do
Travel doesn’t always unfold exactly as planned. But that’s exactly why we’re here. Not just to make bookings, but to step in when things go off track. To advocate. To support. To bring the magic back when it begins to slip away.
That’s what it means to be a travel agent—and this is why I love what I do.
👉 Looking for ideas on what to do in Rarotonga?
Here are some of our top recommendations for local tours and activities
If you’re looking for more than someone to just make your bookings – if you want someone in your corner, no matter where in the world you are – I’m here to help.
🌴 Because every great journey deserves a great guide.
Hayley Bender, Tasha Cook and Narelle Melhuish
