I’ve worked in the travel industry for over 25 years, and today I help people plan their dream holidays as a professional travel planner with Travel Counsellors. Recently, a fellow expert and I have teamed up with Global Grasshopper to offer a fully bespoke, stress-free travel planning service.
Whether you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or just want someone to handle your city break logistics, we’re here to help. Booking through a professional travel planner offers so many benefits – far beyond what automated booking platforms can provide. Here are 8 reasons why it can completely transform your next trip…
What Does a Travel Planner Do?
A travel planner is a travel expert who designs and books personalised trips based on your interests, budget, and travel goals. From creating tailored itineraries to handling bookings, support, and extras like VIP upgrades or local experiences, a travel planner helps take the stress out of your journey – so all you have to do is show up and enjoy it!
Why Use A Travel Planner?
There are many benefits of partnering with a professional travel planner (rather than just using the usual automated system route). Here are what I personally think are the benefits…
1. Full Financial Protection
When you book with us through Travel Counsellors, you’re protected by an award-winning travel brand that offers 100% financial protection. Every penny you spend is safe—giving you total peace of mind from the moment you book to the moment you return home.
2. Personalised Expertise (That Goes Beyond Google!)
We take the time to understand your personal travel style, goals, and even the quirkiest interests. Want to dance the samba in Rio, Brazil? Zip-line through a Borneo rainforest? Attend a tea ceremony in Kyoto? We can build it all into your itinerary and make it happen—no matter how niche your dream trip is!
3. Time-Saving Convenience
Let’s be honest—planning a trip can be overwhelming. Flights, hotels, transfers, excursions… it’s a lot! As travel planners, we handle all the research and bookings so you don’t have to. We’ll build your trip from start to finish while you sit back and look forward to the adventure.
4. 24/7 Support and Assistance
Flight delayed? Transfer didn’t show? Feeling unwell abroad? We’re only a phone call away – before, during, and after your trip. No call centres, no being passed around – we’re your direct point of contact, ready to step in and sort things quickly and personally.
5. Insider Knowledge and Local Expertise
With over 25 years in the industry (and a lifelong passion for travel), we’ve built a global network of trusted partners. That means we can introduce you to hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and authentic local experiences you won’t find on the usual booking sites.
We can book a trip to Zabljak in Montenegro or Salento in Colombia, under-the-radar destinations, and locally authentic experiences such as the Floating Markets in the Mekong Delta or staying with a Bedouin Family in Wadi Rum!
6. Customized Recommendations and Itineraries
From romantic city breaks in Bruges, Belgium to once-in-a-lifetime adventures in Costa Rica, we create fully bespoke itineraries built around what you want. Whether it’s culture, cuisine, wellness, or wild adventure – your trip will feel made just for you, because it is.
7. Access to Exclusive Deals and Upgrades
Thanks to our industry connections, we can often access exclusive rates, perks, and VIP extras that aren’t available to the public. Think room upgrades, welcome gifts, special amenities, or that hard-to-get reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant—consider it handled!
8. Peace of Mind and Stress Reduction
Let’s face it – life is busy. Booking through a travel planner means no stress, no hassle, and no endless tabs open on your browser. We’ll handle the boring logistics, you enjoy the excitement and anticipation. It’s travel planning made easy, personal, and stress-free!
When Should You Use a Travel Planner?
- You’re planning a special trip (e.g., honeymoon, anniversary, bucket-list destination)
- You’re too busy to research or compare options
- You want to avoid overwhelm or confusion from online booking platforms
- You value expert guidance, hidden gems, and curated experiences
- You want peace of mind with someone on hand if anything goes wrong
How Does The Booking Process Work?
- Initial Chat – We’ll get to know your travel style, wishlist, and budget
- Tailored Proposal – You’ll receive personalised trip suggestions
- Refine Together – We tweak the itinerary until it’s exactly right
- Confirm & Book – We take care of all bookings and logistics
- You Travel, We Support – You enjoy the trip, and we’re here if you need anything
What Are Popular Trips We’ve Planned Already?
- Dream honeymoons to the Maldives and Seychelles
- USA road trips with curated driving routes
- Japanese culture trips with hidden tea houses and gardens
- South American adventures including Patagonia and the Atacama
- Foodie-focused getaways in Italy and France
- Solo wellness escapes and group tours
Client Testimonials
Here are just a few of our client testimonials…
“Thanks again for organising a fabulous trip – we had an amazing time and were really impressed. The guides were fantastic – we loved the hotels and the tea ceremony in Kyoto was very special!” Nicky & Andrew visited Japan in Sept 2023.
“We’ve just returned from a fabulous holiday researched and organised by Jo Briody. It was fantastic to have all the organisation taken away – we were a group of 10 – and Jo did an amazing job of finding hotels that were just right for us. Both from a budget and preference point of view. Jo got us! We certainly couldn’t have got better prices by doing it ourselves and I doubt the hotels would have been as welcoming and responsive too. I couldn’t recommend Jo highly enough!” Jackie & family explored the Yucatan Peninsula in Jan 2024.
