For every group trip, there is usually one person who juggles flight times, restaurant bookings, and the friend who still hasn't transferred their share. According to new research from travel booking platform Klook, that person rarely gets the recognition they deserve.
The company surveyed 2,725 travellers across ten countries and found that travel planning ranks among the least thanked favours people do for others. The burden is heavy: eight in ten respondents said organising a single trip can take more than ten hours of work.
Even when someone else takes the lead, the designated planner often cannot switch off. Klook's data shows that 42% of respondents continue to monitor the planning from the sidelines, ready to step in at the first sign of trouble.
To address this thankless role, Klook has launched a global search for five travel planners who deserve a break. The prize is a fully hosted seven-day trip to Switzerland this December, with round-trip flights, premium accommodation, and curated activities included. Winners can bring a plus one.
A chance to swap spreadsheets for the Alps
Marcus Yong, Vice President of Global Marketing at Klook, said in a statement: "We built Klook to make travel planning simpler, so travellers can spend less time on admin and more time on experiences. Now we're taking that promise one step further with a fully-planned getaway for five travel planners who always get travel right for their friends and families."
He added: "It's their turn to take a vacation from planning vacations."
The contest, called 'Thank You Travel Planners', is open for nominations until 31 August 2026. Planners can nominate themselves or someone else by submitting a summary of up to 300 words describing a trip they organised and the challenges they overcame. Entrants must be at least 21, hold a valid passport, be legally permitted to enter Switzerland, and meet all visa requirements. They must also be willing to share their journey on camera as part of Klook's campaign.
For those who dream of a Swiss escape but aren't ready to commit to a contest, the country's efficient rail network and scenic routes remain a perennial draw. Meanwhile, travellers planning their own itineraries might find useful tips in our guide to the growing trend of JOMO travel.
As Europe's summer travel season heats up, the contrast between the joy of exploring and the stress of organising is stark. A recent report highlighted how holiday poverty persists across the EU, even as bookings surge. For those fortunate enough to plan a getaway, the Klook contest offers a rare chance to be pampered.
If you're the one who always ends up with the spreadsheet, or you know someone who deserves a break, the deadline is fast approaching. As Yong put it, it's time to let the planners take a holiday from their holiday planning.
