Catherine Oliver
My expertise
I'm based in
Worcester
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It's Nice To Meet You
Knowledgeable, reliable and professional.
Travel is my passion and this year I am proudly celebrating 35 years in the travel industry and 20 years as a Travel Counsellor. I specialise in creating luxury, tailor made itineraries, with particular expertise in the Far East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Whether it is a once in a lifetime journey, a complex multi-stop adventure or a special occasion escape, I am here to design a trip that is perfectly suited to you.
The holidays I can arrange are wide ranging: from luxury family trips, romantic escapes and weekend breaks to cruises, expedition cruises, adventure and activity holidays, touring and rail journeys, multi-centre itineraries, safaris and beach retreats. I can also take care of flights, airport hotels and lounges, car hire, motorhomes, private transfers, attraction tickets and excursions, as well as many of the finer details that make a holiday feel truly seamless.
My particular passion is for luxury bespoke itineraries across the Far East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand: think island-hopping in Thailand, immersive cultural stays in Japan, self-drives through the Canadian Rockies, epic rail journeys, or combining Australia and New Zealand into one unforgettable trip. I can also help you plan more adventurous travel, whether that is trekking, wildlife experiences, small-group tours, or expedition cruises to some of the world’s most remote and fascinating regions.
Working with a dedicated travel professional means you have one trusted person looking after every element of your journey. I take time to understand what matters most to you, then research and compare options on your behalf, using my knowledge and industry contacts to find the right fit rather than simply the easiest option. I am here to assist with all pre-travel requirements, provide calm reassurance, and, importantly, to support you while you are away, giving you total peace of mind if plans change or issues arise. There is no hard sell: my role is to give honest advice, highlight the pros and cons, and recommend what I truly believe is best for you.
By choosing the right arrangements for each client, I am proud that many return to me year after year, and 89% of my customers make repeat bookings. Many have become friends over time, and that relationship is incredibly important to me. Getting to know your preferences, your past travels and your future dreams helps me to plan the ideal journey, every time. Everyone is different, and that is exactly what makes what I do so rewarding.
Now is the perfect time to start planning those bucket list trips and future adventures. If you are thinking about your next holiday and would like to discuss your travel needs, please do get in touch.
With best wishes
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Warriors Away Trip
In November 2019 we took a short trip to Southern France to watch the Worcester Warriors play Castres in the European Challenge Cup. We decided to stay in Carcassonne which is around an hour and a half from Castres, but it was well worth it. Carcassonne should really be on everyone's bucket list, one of the most amazing medieval castles you will ever see, just stunning and all with sight of the
18 Nov 2020 5 min read
Enchanting New England
In April 2019 I was part of a group of Travel Counsellors who visited Boston and Cape Cod as guests of the Massachusetts Tourist board. We had an amazing time and I really enjoyed visiting a part of the US I hadn't been to before. Our first two nights were in Boston City and we stayed at the gorgeous Four Seasons Hotel in Back Bay overlooking the public gardens. The rooms were amazing, very spac
18 Nov 2020 5 min read
A new look at an old favourite
I was lucky enough to travel to the Island of Gran Canaria in June courtesy of the Spanish Tourist board. Although I had been before, many years earlier, I didn't stray far from my hotel which was such a shame as this lovely island is very diverse and well worth exploring. We were based in the south of the island in Melonares, close to the sands dunes of Maspalomas. A lovely promenade now lin
20 Jul 2015 5 min read
Launch of P&O's Britannia
I was lucky enough to be invited on to the new P&O ship Britannia for its launch party. Britannia is a really lovely ship with amazing on board facilities. Britannia offers three main signature restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner daily. There's also plenty of other eateries to tempt you though from “Grab & Go” outlets and relaxed buffet dining around the clock to s
29 May 2015 5 min read
Magical Mexico
We travelled out to Mexico in May 2015 for the Gold Travel Counsellors conference in Cancun. We extended the trip by five nights and spent the first part of our trip at the lovely Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Resort on the Riviera Maya. Just a 20 minute journey from the airport this resort is really quite unique in Mexico being a small boutique property with just 45 rooms, all of which are de
29 May 2015 5 min read
Weekend at Gleneagles
We travelled up to Gleneagles for our annual Gold Travel Counsellors Dinner on the 8th February and stayed for two nights at this top quality resort. Situated in the most stunning location, just a 45 minute drive from Edinburgh Airport, Gleneagles is a perfect destination for golfers, spa lovers and those looking for a relaxing weekend with excellent service and food. The resort is also very fam
19 Feb 2014 5 min read
Med Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line
Our family holiday this year was a Mediterranean Cruise aboard the Norwegian Jade. We flew from Birmingham to Venice (my second trip to this amazing city this year!) and had a one night pre-cruise stay in the Hotel Kette. We then joined the Norwegian Jade as she sailed the Mediterranean, calling at Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos and Izmir in Turkey. The ship was very comfortable and the staff on b
27 Oct 2013 5 min read
Warriors away visit to Geneva
Earlier in October 2013 I escorted a small group of Worcester Warriors fans to Geneva for the Amlin European match against Oyonnax, which was just an hour’s drive over the border into France. We stayed at the Cornavin Hotel in Geneva which was conveniently situated right next door to the rail station. The hotel was ideal and had a wonderful panoramic breakfast room on the 8th Floor with fantas
27 Oct 2013 5 min read
Abu Dhabi
We travelled to Abu Dhabi this year for our Gold Travel Counsellors Conference, and stayed at the Fairmont Hotel. Abu Dhabi is an up and coming destination, just over an hour’s drive from Dubai. It isn't quite as developed yet as Dubai, and has lots to offer for both stopovers and longer holidays. Take time to visit Ferrari World where you will find the world’s fastest roller coaster or take a
17 Jun 2013 5 min read
Wonderful Shangri-La
We travelled to Muscat in Oman for a few days holiday before attending the Gold Travel Counsellors conference in Abu Dhabi, and what a great choice it was. We stayed at the Lovely Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Resort and we had a fantastic stay. The Shangri La is actually made up of three hotels, all in the same bay along a lovely stretch of sandy beach. The Al Waha is the more family friendly of t
17 Jun 2013 5 min read
Kalkan...Highly Recommended
I was lucky enough to travel to Kalkan, Turkey in October with a group of Gold Travel Counsellors. We stayed at the lovely boutique Likya Residence in Kalkan and took the opportunity to see a variety of other hotels and villas in the area. Kalkan is around an hour and a half drive from Dalaman Airport and is a small upmarket resort, just perfect for couples or families. Set into the hillside,
30 Nov 2011 5 min read
Five star Dubai
This was my first visit to Dubai, and it was great to see a few of the hotels and really get a better idea of the city and the beach areas. We stayed at the fantastic Westin Mina Seyahi Hotel and had an executive sea view room with balcony. This hotel was very much to my taste, the building itself was quite colonial looking and just eight storeys high (tiny by Dubai standrads). It was beautif
08 Jun 2011 5 min read
Carry on up the river!
Looking for a relaxing break in the UK? Then look no further than a canal boat holiday. We spent three lovely days sailing on the Grand Union Canal near Northampton. It was a fantastic few days. We stopped each night to eat in a different pub and ate lunch alfresco moored on the canalbank. Going through the locks was a bit daunting, but easy once you got the hang of it. The boat was a bit cr
12 May 2011 5 min read
Magical Marrakech
Marrakech is a fabulous choice for a long weekend or short break. We flew from Manchester and spent four nights in this fascinating city, staying in a beautifully converted Riad within the medina walls. It was an oasis of calm in the midst of a busy city, and the pool and spa gave us lots of opportunities to relax. On our first morning we headed off with our guide for a walking tour of the city
21 Apr 2011 5 min read
War Horse at the National Theatre
We travelled down to London to see War Horse which has received rave reviews and we weren't disappointed, the show was fantastic and very moving. We stayed at the Radisson Edwardian Sussex Hotel, which is just off Oxford Street, so ideally situated for anyone wanting to shop! The hotel was quite small, but very comfortable, I would certainly recommend upgrading to a Deluxe Room, as these were qu
02 Apr 2011 5 min read
Peter Kay at the O2
We have just seen Peter Kay at the O2 in London and stayed at the Crowne Plaza Docklands hotel, which is ideally situated just two stops on the DLR (Docklands light Railway) and the Jubilee line from the O2. The hotel was excellent and very convenient and I would certainly stay there again. The company that I used to book the package has it's own box on the VIP level of the O2 which was fantas
02 Apr 2011 5 min read
Launch of Celebrity Equinox
I was lucky enough to be onboard the Celebrity Equinox for it's launch in July 2009. This is the sister company to Royal Caribbean Cruises, and the ship was fantastic! Having travelled on the Independence of the Seas with my family I would say that the Equinox would be the perfect choice for couples or families with older children. The decor is very plush and there is a fabuolus choice of spe
02 Jun 2010 5 min read
Independence of the Seas
In May 2009 we sailed to the Canaries aboard the Royal Caribbean ship “Independence of the Seas”. This is a fabulous choice for passengers of any age, especially families or those looking for lots of on board activities. We embarked at Southampton, and so within a couple of hours after leaving home we were in our cabin and on holiday! We set sail and had our first day at sea, followed by a st
02 Jun 2010 5 min read
Stunning Sri Lanka
Ayubowan! I was lucky enough to travel to Sri Lanka last month with the Sri Lankan Tourist Board. It is an amazing destination, with fantastic scenery, stunning nature reserves and fabulous historical monuments. Sri Lanka is now a peaceful destination following the cessation of civil unrest in the north in 2008 and is an ideal destination to combine sightseeing with a stay in one of their t
01 Jun 2010 5 min read
Wonderful Thailand
If you are looking for beautiful white sandy beaches, clear blue sea and plenty of fascinating things to see and do then Thailand is the destination for you. We spent a wonderful week there in November 2007, staying first at the Centara Krabi Bay Resort in Krabi for five wonderfully relaxing days. This hotel is set in its own bay and can only be reached by boat. It is in the most stunning locat
17 Sept 2008 5 min read
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5 Reasons to trust me with your travel plans
5 great reasons to trust me to arrange your travel plans, with over 30 years experience in the travel industry, let me help plan your perfect trip.
10 Mar 2021
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Let's plan your dream trip together
Tailor-made for you
Your holiday isn’t just a trip away. It’s a longed-for escape, time to reconnect with loved ones, or a dream adventure you never thought possible. That’s why I take the time to truly get to know you and understand your hopes and expectations, then use my experience, connections and passion for the destination to create a trip that makes those dreams a reality.
Personalised service. Always
When you plan a holiday with me, you’ll be given my personal mobile number from the very first call. I’ll listen to your thoughts and ideas like I would a friend and arrange accommodation, activities, and flights that are all personalised to you. And I’ll share my personal tips and recommendations, so you can experience the true beauty of each destination.
Stress-free travel, and more time for what matters most
I believe your time away should be stress-free, easy, and seamless from start to finish. So, I take care of all the details for you - from ATOL protection, insurance, and flexible payments to access to the myTC app, which keeps everything in one place.
Support when it matters most
If the unexpected happens, you can rest easy, knowing that I’ll handle any last-minute changes, flight cancellations, or disruptions before you even pick up the phone. So you always feel happy, carefree, and ready to make the most of every moment.
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